Artificial intelligence models in prediction of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: a systematic review.

The aim of the presented review is to summarize the literature data on the accuracy and clinical applicability of artificial intelligence (AI) models as a valuable alternative to the current guidelines in predicting cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response and phenotyping of patients eligible for CRT implantation. This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. After a search of Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, 675 records were identified.

Echocardiographic predictors of thrombus in left atrial appendage-The role of novel transthoracic parameters.

Introduction: The left atrium appendage thrombus (LAAT) formation is a complex process. A CHADS-VASc scale is an established tool for determining the thromboembolic risk and initiation of anticoagulation treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF/AFL). We aimed to identify whether any transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) parameters could have an additional impact on LAAT detection.

Risk factors for left atrial thrombus in younger patients (aged < 65 years) with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter: Data from the multicenter left atrial thrombus on transesophageal echocardiography (LATTEE) registry.

Background: Our aim was to assess the characteristics and to identify predictors of left atrial thrombus (LAT) in patients under age 65 with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFl).

Methods: We conducted a subanalysis of a multicenter, prospective, observational study [the LATTEE registry]. Consecutive AF/AFl patients referred for cardioversion or ablation were enrolled.

Increased Body Mass Index and Risk of Left Atrial Thrombus in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients-Data from the Left Atrial Thrombus on Transesophageal Echocardiography (LATTEE) Registry.

An increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and a higher risk of thromboembolic complications in AF patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMI on the risk of left atrial thrombi (LATs) in patients with nonvalvular AF/atrial flutter (AFl) (NV AF/AFl). Patients diagnosed with NVAF/AFl (between November 2018 and May 2020) were selected from the multicenter, prospective, observational Left Atrial Thrombus on Transesophageal Echocardiography (LATTEE) registry that included AF/AFl patients referred for cardioversion or ablation followed by transesophageal echocardiography.

Heart failure and the risk of left atrial thrombus formation in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of left atrial thrombus (LAT) on transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (AF/AFl) with reference to the presence of heart failure (HF) and its subtypes.

Methods And Results: The research is a sub-study of the multicentre, prospective, observational Left Atrial Thrombus on Transoesophageal Echocardiography (LATTEE) registry, which comprised 3109 consecutive patients with AF/AFl undergoing TOE prior to direct current cardioversion or catheter ablation. TOE parameters, including presence of LAT, were compared between patients with and without HF and across different subtypes of HF, including HF with preserved (HFpEF), mid-range (HFmrEF), and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Exercise-Induced Atrial Remodeling in Female Amateur Marathon Runners Assessed by Three-Dimensional and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

Endurance athletes have an increased risk of atrial remodeling and atrial arrhythmias. However, data regarding atrial adaptation to physical exercise in non-elite athletes are limited. Even less is known about atrial performance in women.

Left Atrial Thrombus in Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter Patients in Relation to Anticoagulation Strategy: LATTEE Registry.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter (AFl) increase the risk of thromboembolism. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of left atrial thrombus (LAT) in AF/AFl in relation to oral anticoagulation (OAC). Methods: LATTEE (NCT03591627) was a multicenter, prospective, observational study enrolling consecutive patients with AF/AFl referred for transesophageal echocardiography before cardioversion or ablation.

Baroreflex sensitivity but not microvolt T-wave alternans can predict major adverse cardiac events in ischemic heart failure.

Background: Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) constitutes the main cause of morbidity and mortality in ischemic heart failure (HF) patients. The prognostic value of the autonomic nervous system parameters and microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) in this issue has not been identified to date. The aim herein, was to assess the usefulness of the abovementioned parameters in the prediction of MACE in HF patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction of ischemic origin.

Global longitudinal strain can predict heart failure exacerbation in stable outpatients with ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Background: Despite advancements in pharmacological and device-based treatment, heart failure (HF) continues to impose an enormous burden for health care system worldwide. Decompensation of HF is one of the main causes of hospitalization, therefore the identification of patients with the highest risk of such complication is still of great clinical importance. The prognostic significance and utility of global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been previously studied in patients with the broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases in various endpoints, however its role in assessing the risk of hospitalization due to HF exacerbation of optimally treated outpatients has not been fully explored.

Could autonomic nervous system parameters be still helpful in identifying patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction at the highest risk of all-cause mortality?

Background: Autonomic imbalance is associated with poor prognosis of patients with systolic dysfunction. Most of the previous data were written several years ago and constituted to cardiovascular or arrhythmic mortality. The current treatment of these patients has improved substantially over the last decades, and thus, the population at risk of death may have altered as well.

Microvolt T-wave alternans and autonomic nervous system parameters can be helpful in the identification of low-arrhythmic risk patients with ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Introduction: The role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement in the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in all consecutive patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% is still a matter of hot debate due to the fact that the population of these patients is highly heterogeneous in terms of the SCD risk. Nevertheless, reduced LVEF is still the only established criterion during qualification of patients for ICD implantation in the primary prevention of SCD, therefore identification of persons with particularly high risk among patients with LVEF ≤35% is currently of lesser importance. More important seems to be the selection of individuals with relatively low risk of SCD in whom ICD implantation can be safely postponed.